Blues-rock guitarist Leslie West, best known for his work with Mountain, has had his right leg amputated at the knee.
West was in Mississippi on Friday, scheduled to perform with Mountain, but the show was cancelled that afternoon after his leg began swelling and his foot turned septic. West, now 65, underwent surgery on Monday to stop the further spread of infection, caused by type 2 diabetes.
He is said to be in a “serious but stable” condition, but experts say he will make a full recovery.
Mountain reached the height of their fame in the late 60s and early 70s and performed at the legendary Woodstock festival, although none of their performances were included in the original cut, or the later director’s cut of the movie. The 40th Anniversary (red) edition features the band performing ‘Beside The Sea’ and ‘Southbound Train’, as part of the extensive bonus footage and the 5CD soundrack features performances of ‘Theme For an Imaginary Western’ and ‘Yasgur’s Farm’.
West has recently completed a new album, but due to his hospitalisation and subsequent rehabilitation, no release date has been confirmed.
